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Today, November 1, Carson National Forest approved the resort projects that Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico, proposed in October 2021, which include a gondola from the resort’s base to the Kachina base. The decision had been postponed several times due to ongoing opposition from several groups, including the Friends of the Rio Hondo group, which suggests that the environmental assessment was not rigorous enough. The Forest Service had asked for comments in March 2023 and received 619 comments on the federally-mandated draft assessment. Comments came especially from residents who live downstream from the ski resort in Valdez, Des Montes, and San Cristobal, as well as from winter sports enthusiasts and environmental groups.
Now that National Forest Services have given the nod of approval, the resort projects at Taos Ski Valley can hopefully proceed. The projects include the construction of a base-to-base gondola, replacement of Lifts 2 and 8, installation of a water tank and booster station on the Frontside, replacement of Whistlestop Café, construction of new restaurant near Lift 7, construction of Nordic and snowshoe trails, and construction of a hiking trail next to Lift 4. However, objections to the approval are still possible and could further delay the proposed project’s start at Taos.
In the decision document, Carson National Forest James Duran wrote, “Overall, I feel my decision will improve the experience of guests to the National Forest within the TSV SUP area while avoiding and mitigating long-term adverse impacts.” The gondola is expected to improve guest circulation around the resort in the Lift 4 and 7 areas and alleviate traffic and road congestion on Twining/Kachina Road.
The gondola will be approximately 7,300 feet long and feature a capacity of 1,800 people per hour (pax). In addition, Lift 2 and 8, both Poma chairs from the early 1990s, will be upgraded to 2,400 pax from the current 1,800 pax, increasing capacity by roughly 30%. The new snowshoe and cross-country trail area stretches across 33 acres and will feature 3 miles of both classic and skating cross-country trails, improving amenities for all snowsport users.
Taos Ski Valley is owned by legendary hedge fund manager Louis Bacon, CEO and founder of Moore Capital. Bacon started his career at Commodities Corporation, one of the most famous cradles of hedge fund legends of the 1980s-90s, including Paul Tudor Jones and Bruce Kovner. Bacon bought Taos in December 2013 for an undisclosed amount. The purchase by a billionaire naturally caused some ruffled feathers with the local ski bums. However, many residents also saw Bacon as a much-needed savior of the under-utilized ski area. Disgruntled local skiers have accused Bacon of using some areas for private skiing on powder days while closing those sections off to the public. This practice has become known as “Bacon Strips” in local lore. The hedge fund billionaire is known for his philanthropy and conservationism through his charity, Moore Charitable Foundation.
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